My DEADLIFT Issues

[Gladiola]

So I read that article Spatts posted for me on 'deadlift' form & went to the gym armed with the knowledge. I even made sure I could view myself in the mirror from the side (check that my lower back stayed arched, shoulders behind the bar, bar close to shins).

I'm such a shrimp!!! At 5'4", I have long legs & I was REALLY having trouble keeping my lower back arched in the start position. I know lack of hamstring flexibility could be an issue - but I teach a yoga-based class at least once a week & my flexibility is pretty decent (not "Yogina" level, but good).

When I'm grabbing the bar, I'm in such a low crouch that my hips are the level of my knees, if not lower & I'm having trouble getting my back arched. I can keep the arch when squatting, but I come to barely parallel - in the deadlift I have to be lower than parallel thanks to my darn short arms. Help - I can't seem to get this right!

 

[Hannibal]

Next time you do them...could you get some pics. That would make it alot easier to diagnose.

 

[Gladiola]

Next time you do them...could you get some pics. That would make it alot easier to diagnose.

Even if they are lousy pics taken with a cheap web cam?
I suppose even if they are low quality, it should help.

I'll definitely do that. Don't people usually PAY money for this sort of expert coaching? Lucky me. Thanks.

 

[magdelana]

have LONG arms and a LONG torso, and have been told I have the body for deadlifting. That same body works against me on the bench because my stroke is much longer than others

Very similar to me. I am only 6 feet tall because of my long torso. My legs are short, sort of. This has made it easier to deadlift comfortably and easier to make thick looking legs (because they are not so long actually). But having a wing span like a albatrose also making the bench very hard.

In english my brother calls finding the right motion for you, "finding your groove".
We all have to adjust and experment with moves because strength and human motion is so much about leverage and everyone have different shaped bodies. Pay close attention to the postion of your body all through the move and find what is most comforable and still a safe repsonsbile motion.

 

[The_Monster]

Even if they are lousy pics taken with a cheap web cam?
I suppose even if they are low quality, it should help.

Umm, it may be hard to see your form real well if the resolution of the pictures is poor. I think we would appreciate it if you took off your clothes for the shot. Y'know, so none of your form is obscured???



(*wondering to self if she is buying this...*)

 

[b fold the truth]

Be careful sending your pics to Hannibal...he likes to laugh at the ones that show your improper form...

B True

 

[Hannibal]

Be careful sending your pics to Hannibal...he likes to laugh at the ones that show your improper form...

B True

Well my first order of business is to always HELP people with their poor form. Just in your case I decided to give you shit as well....it helped to emphasize the point.

50" is NOT a wide squat stance for a man your height.

 

[b fold the truth]

Well my first order of business is to always HELP people with their poor form. Just in your case I decided to give you shit as well....it helped to emphasize the point.

50" is NOT a wide squat stance for a man your height.

I hear ya...I hear ya

Just be careful when you do rounded back GM's...he really likes to laugh at those...

B True

 

[Hannibal]

I hear ya...I hear ya

Just be careful when you do rounded back GM's...he really likes to laugh at those...

B True

You tryin to tell me that ISN'T funny??! Just remember....in the process of laughing at you I made sure you knew how to do them right the next time. Even when I am giving you hell...I always make sure to teach in the process.

 

[b fold the truth]

You met Cheese though...so he is funny in general...lol

Still trying to figure out why it is ok for Chuck V to go that deep and not me....

B True